Role Overview:

DWD's Legal Division provides legal advice, representation, and services to all divisions of DWD, including the agency's Unemployment Insurance and Workforce teams as well as multiple supporting divisions. This role includes a variety of duties, and duties are not specific to one area of focus. Work may include, but is not limited to, representing DWD in administrative litigation; performing research and analysis and providing recommendations on a wide range of legal issues; assisting with agency legislation and promulgation of rules; reviewing policy proposals and procedure changes; assisting with agency data sharing and data governance initiatives and projects; assisting with public records requests; and drafting and reviewing contracts, grants, and other agreements.

This position requires initiative and the ability and willingness to learn and apply new knowledge; strong legal research, writing, and communication skills; significant attention to detail; and the ability to solve problems collaboratively. This is an in-office position located at 10 N. Senate Ave., Indianapolis, IN 46204.

Salary:

This is a Senior Attorney-level position with a starting salary of $85,020.00 but may be commensurate with education or work experience; however, an underfill at the Associate Attorney level will be considered for those candidates with less than 5+ years of legal experience as a practicing attorney.

Those who have been admitted to the Bar for less than 5 years will be hired as an Attorney Associate, which traditionally starts at $67,314.00 but may be commensurate with work experience.

Use our Compensation Calculator to view the total compensation package.

A Day in the Life:

The essential functions of this role are as follows:

• May train, manage, delegate to, and/or provide support for any legal support staff;
• Advises and provides legal support to agency staff on various program and legal areas;
• May oversee, draft, review, or provide legal advice relating to contracts;
• Researches, interprets, and provides legal advice in relation to laws, rules, policies, and legal opinions pertaining to agency operations;
• May draft and review legislation and administrative rules;
• Utilizes legal resources, dockets, legal files, and official records relating to legal procedures;
• Creates, prepares, and distributes documents related to hearings, including orders and decisions;
• Recruits, selects, onboards, and trains employees to ensure role responsibilities and expectations are clearly understood while providing opportunities to continue professional development;
• Sets expectations, measure progress, provide ongoing feedback, and evaluate the performance of employees. Ensure work adheres to quality standards, deadlines, and proper procedures;
• May handle administrative matters and hearings while maintaining appropriate decorum, hear evidence, rule on the admissibility of evidence, and/or make reasoned decisions supported by evidence;
• May be required to utilize litigation skills and experience relating to agency operations;
• Organizes and manages caseload in the preparation of hearings and/or litigation;
• May review pleadings, motions, and discovery;
• May draft appeals or briefs, or perform legal writing assignments.

The job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Other duties, responsibilities and activities may change or be assigned at any time.

This position is exempt from overtime compensation for additional work hours which may be required to complete essential functions or other assigned work. Exempt employees may work more than 75 hours in a pay period without additional compensation and must report a minimum of 75 hours per pay period of work hours and/or paid leave taken to receive their base biweekly salary.

What You'll Need for Success:

Individuals in this role should minimally be able to articulate or demonstrate the following:

• A Doctorate of Jurisprudence from an accredited institution;
• Indiana Bar Admission license in good standing;
• Demonstrated knowledge and ability to apply relevant statutes, case law, and rules;
• Ability to effectively communicate both orally and in writing;
• Ability to successfully utilize a case management system to manage a docket, case information, party information, and serve orders;
• Strong legal research, writing, and litigation skills.

Individuals should have the ability to perform essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation.

Supervisory Responsibilities/Direct Reports:

This role may be utilized in a supervisory capacity based on agency needs.

Benefits of Employment with the State of Indiana:

The State of Indiana offers a comprehensive benefit package for full-time employees which includes:

• Three (3) medical plan options (including RX coverage) as well as vision and dental plans
• Wellness Rewards Program: Complete wellness activities to earn gift card rewards
• Health savings account, which includes bi-weekly state contribution
• Deferred compensation 457(b) account (similar to 401(k) plan) with employer match
• Two (2) fully-funded pension plan options
• A robust, comprehensive program of leave policies covering a variety of employee needs, including but not limited to:
  • 150 hours of paid New Parent Leave and up to eight weeks of paid Childbirth Recovery Leave for eligible mothers
  • Up to 15 hours of paid community service leave
• Combined 180 hours of paid vacation, personal, and sick leave time off
• 12 paid holidays, 14 on election years
• Education Reimbursement Program
• Group life insurance
• Referral Bonus program
• Employee assistance program that allows for covered behavioral health visits
• Qualified employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program
• Free Parking for most positions
• Free LinkedIn Learning access

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